Treating Bed wetting with Chinese Medicine
Peeing the bed at night can become a source of embarrassment and stress for kids, especially as they start to grow older.
Occasional bed wetting isn’t uncommon, but if it happens on a regular basis (after the age of three) it may indicate an underlying health imbalance.
In the vast majority of cases, medical tests fail to identify a physical cause for bed wetting. Western medicine treatments for bed wetting usually involve counseling or behavioral or motivational therapy. Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce urine production or increase bladder capacity, but these drugs can produce major side effects and do little to control bed wetting.
Traditional Chinese Medicine identifies a root cause for bed wetting with safe and provides effective treatment options. TCM views bed wetting as a disorder of water metabolism in the body. The following are three common patterns that can contribute to bed wetting. Other imbalances not mentioned here may also contribute:
- Kidney Meridian Deficiency – Urinary dysfunction in western medicine often involves the kidneys. In Chinese medicine, this pattern does not necessarily indication disease of the kidney organ. Symptoms include night time urination one or more times per night, frequent clear urination, pale complexion, tendency to low back or knee soreness or injury, possible chilled limbs or avoidance of cold.
- Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency – Not associated with disease of these organs, this pattern often occurs during or after another illness, frequent but scanty urination, a pale complexion, fatigue, low mood, easily sweating, and loose stools.
- Damp heat- is another possible TCM diagnosis of bed wetting in children. These children will typically have dark colored, strong-colored urine, irritability, talking in one’s sleep, grinding teeth at night, red lips, and tongue.
Each of the above patterns will have a different treatment. A Chinese Medicine practitioner will take a complete history, physical exam, and assess your child’s symptoms. Treatments will be catered you’re your child’s specific needs and may include herbs, acupressure, Shonishin, and moxibustion. These techniques are safe, painless, non-invasive and very effective. Your practitioner may suggest one or more remedies for treatment, and parents may be taught and encouraged to use some treatments at home.
If your child occasionally pees in the bed, don’t worry, he’s likely to outgrow it soon. If frequent bed wetting has you concerned about your child’s health and/or self-esteem, Chinese medicine may provide gentle and effective solutions.